Hardy Garden Lilies 
Garden lilies offer an amazing array of colors that often bear more than a dozen blooms at a time. Lilies are grouped according to a classification system created by the North American Lily Society. Of the hundreds of classes available, only a few are hardy in our climate. The most notable are:
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Asiatic are the easiest to grow, are extremely hardy and are most commonly grown in Minnesota. They are the earliest to bloom and are available in shades of red, orange, yellow, white and pink. Asiatic lilies grow from 1-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. |
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LA Hybrid is a cross between two varieties. The traits produce a trumpet-shaped flower that faces upward. Different varieties grow from 2-5 feet tall and over 2 feet wide. |
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Oriental are most fragrant but not as reliably hardy in Minnesota. Different varieties grow from 2-5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. |
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Martagon is unique among lilies in their ability to tolerate a fair amount of shade. Martagon lilies have nodding, purple-red flowers. |
Tips for Growing Lilies
| Light |
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Lilies prefer sun. |
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| Soil |
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Lilies prefer fertile, well-drained, light soil. |
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| Planting |
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Amend existing soil with organic compost. |
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The top of each lily bulb should be around 5-6 inches below the surface of the soil. |
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Bulbs are available in late summer. |
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Potted lilies can be planted anytime during the growing season. |
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| Spacing |
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Spacing varies with each variety. |
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The tag will indicate the mature height and width of the foliage. |
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| Mulch |
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Mulch with 1-2" of organic mulch. |
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Mulching cools the soil, conserves water and helps control weeds. |
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| Watering |
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After planting, water well. |
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Once established, lilies generally require an average of 1” of moisture per week. |
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| Fertilizer |
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Fertilize with a granular fertilizer such as Bachman’s 10–20–10 each spring. |
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Apply a water-soluble fertilizer in June and July. |
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| Staking |
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LA Hybrid and Oriental lilies will likely need additional support. |
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| Grooming |
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Remove spent flowers after blooming. |
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Regularly weed the garden throughout the summer. |
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| Winter Care |
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Remove foliage after a killing frost. |
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Mulch with straw or chopped leaves 4–6' inches deep after several hard frosts, when the ground is frozen. |
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Uncover in early spring once the ground begins to thaw. |
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Related Bachman's Information
Bachman's Floral, Gift & Garden Centers
Your local garden expert since 1885.
bachmans.com | ©Bachman's 2012
Select source information provided by the University of Minnesota Extension, www.extension.umn.edu.
Last Updated: March 2012
